[ Those in his world who are still starstruck by the legendary detective might consider the scrap of paper a valuable memento. And those who aren't? Might as well be burdened by some trash. Sorry, General. Such is the duality of Sholmes. ]

I suppose that did come across as rather pessimistic, didn't it? Quite the contrary, I believe such obvious tension is healthy. When governing bodies—or their constituency—become too copacetic ... Well, I can't help but wonder if there are dark currents under that deceptively still surface.

[ Also very pessimistic of him? But he has certain professional prerogatives. And, you know, vividly fresh thoughts of judicial officials sanctioning a decade of extralegal executions to help impose law and order. ]